Shingles affecting either ear is a condition caused by a virus called herpes zoster oticus. But if it goes untreated long enough, you may have some permanent weakness of the facial muscles or some loss of hearing.In some cases, you may not be able to close your affected eye completely. You can also take over-the-counter pain medications, including NSAIDs like ibuprofen.If Ramsay Hunt syndrome is treated within three days of the symptoms appearing, you shouldn't have any long-term complications.
The general varicella-zoster virus also causes chicken pox, which is most common in children. Damage can cause constant corneal irritation or permanent (although usually minor) vision loss.If Ramsay Hunt syndrome damages any of your facial nerves, you might also feel pain, even after you don’t have the condition anymore.

Exposing someone to the varicella-zoster virus if they haven’t had a previous infection can give them chicken pox or shingles. Your doctor may prescribe famciclovir or acyclovir along with prednisone or other corticosteroid medications or injections. If you're experiencing facial weakness or paralysis, you may have trouble closing the eye on the affected side of your face.The two main signs and symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome are:Usually, the rash and the facial paralysis occur at the same time. Luego de que la varicela se cura, el virus permanece inactivo en los nervios. Shingles affecting either ear is a condition caused by a virus called herpes zoster oticus. It is the name given to describe the symptoms of a shingles infection affecting the facial nerve. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is rare in children.Ramsay Hunt syndrome isn't contagious. Sometimes one can happen before the other. This is known as Your doctor can use several methods to diagnose you with Ramsay Hunt syndrome:Other tests that you doctor might recommend include:Ramsay Hunt syndrome has few lasting complications. It can also causes one-sided facial paralysis and hearing loss.Ramsay Hunt syndrome can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox. Antihistamines can help with vertigo symptoms, such as dizziness or feeling like the room is spinning. {file29943}This syndrome is also known as geniculate neuralgia or nervus intermedius neuralgia. ; It is caused by reactivation of herpes zoster virus that has previously caused chickenpox in the patient. However, reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus can cause chickenpox in people who haven't previously had chickenpox or been vaccinated for it. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is mainly seen in adults, particularly in people over 60 years of age, but it may rarely be seen in children.
Getting children vaccinated when they’re young can help prevent chicken pox outbreaks from ever happening. These include:The most common treatments for Ramsay Hunt syndrome are medications that treat the virus infection. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. A shingles vaccine for people age 50 or older also is recommended.Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella zoster virus, or VZV). ; Ramsay Hunt syndrome results in paralysis of the facial muscles on the same side of the face as the infection. 12% of peripheral facial nerve palsies are attributable to Ramsay Hunt syndrome. All rights reserved. Eye drops or similar fluids can help keep your eye lubricated and prevent cornea damage.You can treat a shingles rash at home by keeping the rash clean and using a cold compress to minimize pain. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Other times, the rash never occurs.If you have Ramsay Hunt syndrome, you might also experience:Call your doctor if you experience facial paralysis or a shingles rash on your face. If you get a rash on your face and also start noticing symptoms such as facial muscle weakness, see your doctor as soon as you can. Treatment that starts within three days of the start of signs and symptoms may help prevent long-term complications.Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs in people who've had chickenpox. In addition to the painful shingles rash, Ramsay Hunt syndrome can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear.Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Because Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by shingles, it has the same causes and risk factors. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or antiseizure medications like carbamazepine can help reduce the pain of Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Ramsay Hunt syndrome happens when shingles affects nerves in your face close to either one of your ears. Years later, it may reactivate. In other cases, you may not have a visible rash at all, but still have some paralysis in your face.Other common symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome include:Ramsay Hunt syndrome isn’t contagious on its own, but it does mean you have the shingles virus.